CONCORD, N.C.— Toyota is expected to overtake General Motors as the world’s largest automaker in 2006.
It might not be long before the Japanese-based manufacturer takes over the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series.
NASCAR announced last week during its media tour that Toyota will enter its premier series in 2007. The news gave chills to many who represent the manufacturers of American cars on which the sport was founded.
They fear Toyota, with its bottomless checkbook, could run struggling U.S. manufacturers such as Ford and Chevrolet out of the business, as it did in open-wheel racing.
They fear Toyota will use its riches to develop and supply engines and cars with a centralized one-team concept, as it did in the truck series, which would put teams of American manufacturers that build their own cars and engines at a financial disadvantage.
NASCAR officials assure that won’t happen, saying Toyota teams would build their own cars and engines.
That is news to Lee White, Toyota’s senior vice president of racing development.
“NASCAR hasn’t told me that,” he said.
The news apparently hasn’t reached the three teams that will field two Toyota Camrys each in 2007. Michael Waltrip, who will drive a car for Waltrip-Jasper Racing next season, said Toyota is going to build all of his engines.
White said the plan is to build all the engines and cars for Team Red Bull. He added that the same would be done for Bill Davis Racing, the third Toyota team in ’07, if needed.
“If I were to be honest, I would say look out for us in ’08 and ’09,” Davis said.
Watch out in ’07, as well. Because Toyota won’t field a team this season, it can put all of its resources into developing the Car of Tomorrow, which will debut in 16 races in ’07, while existing teams split their resources preparing cars for this season.
White said some of the new car’s features, such as the splitter on the front end and rear wing, are something Toyota has a lot of experience with from open-wheel racing.
He said Toyota is building three or four of the concept cars; many teams don’t have one.
“They will outwork, outspend and outbarter everybody in the business,” said Don Miller, the president of Penske Racing South, reminding that Toyota won 11 of 16 races and the season championship in 2003, its first year in the Indy Racing League.
That could lead top drivers to move to Toyota. Kevin Harvick might even consider fielding his own Cup team for Toyota.
“I don’t really know what their plans are for teams or drivers, but I can assure you they’ll do it right no matter who they’re with,” said Dodge owner Chip Ganassi, who had dealings with Toyota in open-wheel racing.
